THIS PAGE WILL BE UPDATED WITH THE LATEST NEWS
UPDATE: 9:30 PM CET
Iran – Concerns over Chastity and Hijab Bill
Statement by the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani: “We deeply regret the Iranian parliament’s passing of the new Chastity and Hijab Bill which vastly increases jail terms and provides for crushing fines on women and girls who do not obey the compulsory dress code. In that context, the Bill also targets vague notions of the promotion of “nudity” or “indecency”. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, reiterates that this draconian bill flagrantly flies in the face of international law and that it must be shelved.
Under this new, even stricter bill – which is now in its final stage of consideration before the Guardian Council – those flouting the country’s strict Islamic dress code on head coverings and modest clothing risk up to 10 years in jail. Under the same bill, those found in breach could also be flogged, as well as fined up to 360 million Iranian rials (USD 8,522.73). They also face travel restrictions and deprivation of online access. Under the previous legislation, such an offence carried a jail term of up to two months or a fine of up to 500,000 Iranian rials (USD 11.84).”
Large Crowds Gather in Southwest Iran to Honor Anniversary of Martyr
Today, despite strict preemptive security measures across the country, the people of Izeh in the southern Khuzestan Province, gathered at the grave of Arvin Mamali Golzari to honor his life and fight for freedom and democracy. Arvin was killed by the regime’s security forces during the 2022 nationwide uprising.
UPDATE: 1:30 PM CET
Crowds Defy Strict Security Measures to Pay Tribute to Slain Protester
Despite the Iranian regime’s stringent security protocols, individuals persist in organizing ceremonies to honor the martyrs of the 2022 uprising.
A citizen who attended a similar event in Tehran stated, ‘Today, on the day marking the martyrdom of Mohsen Pazouki, the gathering at his gravesite was under tight control, with authorities restricting people from congregating closely. The crowd was significantly dispersed due to these measures.’
Mohsen Pazouki, a young activist and athlete, met his demise on September 21, 2022, during the nationwide uprising in Pakdasht and Varamin, Tehran Province, when suppressive forces shot him in the heart.
Thursday and Friday Protests in Iran
Following the Friday prayer sermon today, the people and youth of Zahedan took to the streets and started chanting slogans against the ruling dictatorship, calling for regime change.
On the evening of Thursday, September 21, during the commemoration of the nationwide uprising’s martyrs, the people, especially the families of the martyrs in Karaj, fervently chanted slogans like “Death to Khamenei.” Through these slogans, they vehemently rejected any compromise and stood firm against the regime’s attempts to appear dominant and suppress the nation.
Settlement Agreements between the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and 3M Company, and with Emigrant Bank
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today announced a $9,618,477 settlement with 3M Company (“3M”). 3M has agreed to settle its potential civil liability for 54 apparent violations of OFAC sanctions on Iran that arose from its subsidiary’s sale of reflective license plate sheeting to an Iranian entity controlled by the Iranian Law Enforcement Forces. Between September 2016 and September 2018, 3M East AG sold 43 orders of this product to a reseller with knowledge that it was destined for a customer in Iran. Additionally, one U.S.-person employee of another 3M subsidiary was substantively involved in these sales. OFAC determined that these apparent violations were egregious and were voluntarily self-disclosed.
Iran: Compulsory Veiling Bill a Despicable Assault on Rights of Women and Girls
Reacting to the news that Iran’s parliament has passed a new bill that would impose further draconian penalties severely violating women’s and girls’ rights as well as increasing prison terms and fines for defying Iran’s degrading and discriminatory compulsory veiling laws, Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said: “This bill is a despicable assault on the human rights of women and girls that will further entrench violence and discrimination against them in Iran. If approved by Iran’s Guardian Council, it will further exacerbate the already suffocating surveillance and policing of women’s bodies and require the Islamic Republic’s various political, security, and administrative arms to obsessively observe compliance with compulsory veiling laws and control women’s and girls’ lives.
King Abdullah Underscored Importance of Engaging With Iraq to Counter Iranian Influence, Syria TV
Jordan’s King Abdullah II has raised questions about the extent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s control over the country’s situation. During his address at the al-Monitor/Semafor summit in New York City, the king expressed his uncertainty regarding Assad’s complete responsibility for the ongoing issues. He stated, “I believe Bashar may not desire conflict with Jordan, but I am unsure about the extent of his control,” particularly in light of the “significant challenge” posed by drug and weapons smuggling into Jordan.
The monarch emphasized that Iran and certain members of the Syrian government were benefiting from the flourishing drug trade within the country. He remarked, “We are engaged daily in border operations to prevent the influx of large quantities of drugs, and this issue is being exploited by various parties, including members within the regime, as well as the Iranians and their proxies.”
European Parliament Meeting: MEPs Called For Stricter Policies on Iranian Regime & Support for Iranian People’s Uprising
Today (21 September), members of the European Parliament from various political groups held a meeting titled, “One year after Mahsa Amini’s death: the situation in Iran.” Participants called for stricter policies on the Iranian regime, including blacklisting of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and imposing comprehensive sanctions to force the Iranian regime to stop its ongoing crimes against Iranian protesters, its export of terrorism, missiles, drones, and its nuclear ambitions.
MEP Dorien Rookmaker, stated that the Iranian regime uses misinformation as a tool to vilify the only viable alternative to the theocratic regime in Iran, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), and the main Iranian opposition movement, the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Her message to colleagues was that they should carefully consider what they say and do, to determine whether it helps the resistance units and people inside Iran. She also expressed her support for the 10-point plan of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the NCRI.
UPDATE: 8:00 AM CET
Raisi Sets New Record of Reversed Facts and Shameless Lies at Un General Assembly
In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Iranian regime president Ebrahim Raisi said, “Some European countries must answer why they have turned into safe havens for terrorist groups that have so far killed more than 17,000 people.”
This speech coincided with a large demonstration by supporters of the Iranian resistance in front of the United Nations headquarters protesting Raisi’s presence at the UNGA.
Ebrahim Raisi played a key role in the 1988 massacre of more than 30,000 political prisoners. He is recognized as a perpetrator of genocide and crimes against humanity worldwide. To cover up his own crimes, he attempted to present a new definition of crime against humanity and genocide, stating, “The elimination of noble concepts such as mother, father, and family can be considered as an example of a crime against humanity.”
Iran’s Path to Overthrow Dictatorship and Establish Democracy
On the anniversary of Iran’s 2022 uprising, the people of Iran are gearing up for a larger revolt against the ruling religious dictatorship. Meanwhile, the ruling regime, in addition to escalating repression and ongoing human rights violations within Iran, is conspiring globally to suppress the overthrow movement. Fearing its demise, the regime is using both covert and overt methods to gain support from international appeasers and regional governments, all in an effort to evade justice and cling to power. The looming question is whether the religious regime in Iran can withstand this growing opposition, or if it will ultimately be overthrown. If it does fall, when and how will it happen? Let’s examine the achievements of the uprising in the past year to gain insights.
Arrest of Mohammad Mehdi Vossoughian After Following up on His Sick Mother in Prison
On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM, Mohammad Mehdi Vossoughian, a resident of Golpayegan, was arrested by security forces at his residence and transferred to an undisclosed location. Fifteen security officers raided Mr. Vossoughian’s residence and arrested him after physical violence and beatings. According to the Iran Human Rights Monitor (IranHRM), Mohammad Mehdi Vossoughian, a 21-year-old student of anesthesia at the Medical School of Isfahan University, and the deputy secretary of the Council of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. He is the son of Masoumeh Yavari, who was recently arrested and detained.
Gender Segregation in Iran in 2023: Impact on Healthcare and Society
Gender segregation in Iran has deep roots, permeating many aspects of society since the early days following the rise of the Islamic Republic. Recently, the Iranian authorities have intensified their efforts to increase gender segregation under the pretext of “fighting against veiling.” This has led to the issuance of circulars and notices that expand the practice of separating men and women, extending from hospitals to universities. In this article, we delve into the growing phenomenon of gender segregation in Iran, focusing on its impact on the healthcare system and broader societal implications.
A few years ago, Iranian media reported the inauguration of the “first women’s emergency center” in West Azarbaijan province, where gender segregation measures have been put in place within emergency stations and ambulances.
Suppressive Hijab and Chastity Bill is Approved by the Mullahs’ Parliament
Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the speaker of the mullahs’ parliament, said the bill had been ratified in coordination with the Iranian Judiciary. The Judicial Branch declared its agreement in writing to the parliament. One hundred and fifty-two (152) members of the parliament voted in favor, 34 against, and seven abstained. The new suppressive Hijab and Chastity Bill will be enforced for three years on a trial basis after being approved by the Guardian Council.
A group of UN Human Rights Council-appointed experts slammed the suppressive Hijab and Chastity Bill in a statement on September 1, and said it could amount to “Gender Apartheid.”
Iran’s Students Face High Costs of Stationery at the Beginning of Academic Year
Iranian schools will welcome students under conditions where the rising educational expenses, including a 50% increase in the price of stationery items, have caused the academic year to start with high costs for students and their parents. One of the first consequences of this situation is more students dropping out of education. According to the regime’s Tejaratnews website on September 20, based on a poll by the Sarmayeh polling Agency, on average, the price of stationery items alone has experienced a 50% increase.
According to the results obtained in the survey by this center, about 60% of Tehran households pay tuition fees for their children’s education, and more than 53% of students in Tehran province walk to school because transportation costs have increased by more than 50% compared to last year.
Also, read Iran News in Brief – September 21, 2023